toy2g

Just a little info on myself first.

I own my own small company and I do overland shows in the US, including some work with Toyota Corp. We currently own 6 TMC vehicles. 2013 4runner 4x4-2009 4runner 4x4- 1998 4runner 4x4- 1987 4runner 4x4- 1983 Toyota pickup 4x4 (running a Lexus V8) and our new RX300 AWD.

I just moved to Ohio from Texas this month, my fear of rust on my current vehicles lead me to put them in storage and buy a couple winter vehicles. In the end I bought a 1998 Toyota 4runner 4x4 and a 1999 RX 300 AWD, I went over this RX very well and test drove it twice. It has no leaks aside from an exhaust leak, VERY little rust on one fender, and it runs and drives very nice with the exception of clunking in the front struts over sharp bumps..

Here is the downer, it has 260k on the clock....other than being a little sluggish when it's cold, the transmission shifts fine and it runs very well. In fact the only CEL code it has is for an insufficient catalyst.

So on to my questions if you don't mind.
What should I be watching for? What should I service or replace ASAP? How far should I expect to go past this 260k?

I read the super thread yesterday, and it was quite insightful, but I would like to know a little more f what may be I store for me.

I am a long time member on a few other forums and I will play buy the rules and I'm glad to have a collective to seek answers from.

hypervish

Welcome to Club Lexus!

My uncle has close to 400k miles on his 99' RX300, original engine and transmission. I've got 201k on mine!

Both run like new!

At 260k miles, it all depends on how it has been maintained in the past. Running sluggish when cold is normal, if by sluggish you mean it is reluctant to shift and/or enter over drive till warmed up.

Service the transmission by doing a drain and fill every 15k miles.

Just saw in another thread that you paid $5500 for this??? WHAT! That's way too much!

toy2g

Your definition of sluggish is correct. The last owner did not have service records so I am reluctant to do too much with the transmission. The fluid is very bright and clean looking, so perhaps it has been done recently.

Not knowing the service history, should I consider doing the timing belt?

As far as the price the number is a little skewed. I paid 4700 +TT and the promptly went and bought new tires for it (I boldly added the cost to the cost of the vehicle) I found others closer to 4k but none as clean as this one and AWD.

Thanks for the advise, let me know what you think about the timing please.

hypervish

These transmissions like to have fresh fluid. Those who did not service them regularly, usually ended up having to replace the transmission.

Is there a sticker on the timing belt cover?

Can you DIY it? If you can, then I'd definitely do it!

If not, you're looking at $750-$1000 ( for tb, wp, cam seals, crank seals, etc) depending on where you get it done. This engine is interference so you definitely do not want the belt to break.

Did you try entering the VIN at Lexus.com, to see if there is any service history available? Mind you, it will only show what was done at the dealership or any user reported history.

toy2g

There is no mileage sticker on the cover. But what are the chances it has not been done by 260k?

I did my v8 sequoia myself, but I would rather not do it again. I guess I better bit the bullet before it gets ugly.

Thank you.

hypervish

I'd have to hope it's been done by now at least once.

If the belt truly has 260k miles, I'm sure you will be able to tell by taking a peak under the cover.

The timing belt usually looks like new at 90k miles.

You're welcome!